How to Design Small Spaces Like a Pro

We can all agree that the biggest issue with decorating a small space is, well, they’re small. There’s a lack of square footage, which is why you need to start creating zones.

What is zone creation?

-Carving a natural separation between areas that otherwise lack a concrete wall or barrier.

For example, if you live in a studio apartment where your bedroom and living spaces connect, you may find it hard to entertain.

Solution?

Separate your sleeping zone from your living zone. Do this by adding a curtain to partition those two spaces. Now, you have a space for entertaining (that doesn’t invade your bedroom privacy).

OR, try panel room dividers, mountable sliding doors, or bi-fold glass doors.

These options will help you block off an opening between two spaces. Pocket glass doors are one of our favorite options. They allow light to travel between two areas AND don’t waste space as swinging doors do. Find cool options at IKEA here.

Zone creation is essential, but so is keeping your floor clear.

What’s the point of having a beautifully divided space if you can’t even walk in it? Here’s why wall pieces work best.

Think vertical.

Opt-in for floating desks or tables, shelves, and nightstands. Keep the ground clear whenever possible!

Such as… using vertical storage that you can mount on the wall. Mounted desks and storage shelves take up way less room than traditional ones. Plus, because it’s a vertical set up, you can go as high as your ceiling height will allow.

What a perfect way to organize your clutter and access the items you use daily in a snippet of time!

Also, replace bulky media centers. These can be one of the biggest space wasters when decorating a small space. Instead, mount your TV! Use your walls and get back your floor space.

We can’t stress enough just HOW important lighting is! Big or small–good lighting can make or break any space.

This holds especially true for small spaces. Why? Small rooms that are also dark will make the space feel more dreary and closed-in.

Not blessed with a lot of natural light in your room? Fill in this gap by investing in a variety of light sources.

Don’t let your ceiling fixture do all the heavy lifting!

Use task lighting for desks. Install sconces for mood lighting. Also, don’t always choose the basic ceiling fan light. Instead, hunt for light fixtures with texture like this lovely wooden beaded chandelier.

Good lighting is only one piece of the puzzle.

We need to live in these spaces, so how can we pick the right furniture pieces to live on? Shop for pieces that serve dual functions.

For example, use a day bed. These are quite handy– playing the sofa role during the day for extra guest seating… and then transforming into a full bed at night. PLUS, day beds also come with trundle options.

Have a house guest or a party friend that’s had way too many cocktails?

Roll out your trundle baby! And poof! Your guest has a place to sleep, AND you haven’t sacrificed any square footage.

AND, ditch giant dining tables! Instead, use a console table that can fold out to a dining table when you’re hosting get-togethers. For yourself, choose a small, round dining table for daily use. Foldable stools are lovely too! Tuck them away when not in use for more space saver options.

Space savers don’t have to be literal.

You can create the illusion of space, too.

Feeling unlucky when it comes to the amount of natural light in your space?

That’s okay. Mirrors will be the best way to trick your guests into thinking you have more space than you really do.

How?

Mirrors give you an illusion of more spaciousness because they reflect the light that you already have in your room.

Mirrors make spaces feel bigger because they add faux square feet.

Consider adding a large leaning floor mirror for this reason. OR, add different mirror shapes around your home — oval, square, small, rectangular. Mirrors are necessary when you design a small space because, along with looking pretty, they serve obvious functions too.

We’ve got one more trick up our sleeves.

Here’s how to pack more stuff into your home when you technically can’t.

Hello, sneaky storage nooks, built-ins, and tailored furniture! If you need places to store your clothes, shoes, and kitchen gadgets, this is what you need to focus on when designing a small space.

For example, get a custom bench that opens up as storage for shoes. These contraptions and similar concepts will be YOUR VERY BEST space savers.

Plus, it’s kinda neat and thrilling to find unexpected storage.

You’re like a magician.

Opening and popping things out of walls and benches at random.

Like those cool hidden bookcase rooms that open when you press on a vintage book! 

No? Maybe, that’s just me. Regardless, hidden storage is always great to have. Plus, when built-ins are a part of the wall, they give you back valuable square footage and look clean.